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LAWYERS representing former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng have firmly denied any connection between their client and the armed robbery of a key prosecution witness in his ongoing corruption trial, criticising media reports and prosecutorial comments that suggested otherwise.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the legal firm Messrs Haijan Omar & Co, acting for the Bagan MP, described such reports as “irresponsible, prejudicial, and damaging to the integrity of judicial proceedings.”
“We regret the premature and misleading reporting that attempts to link this incident to the ongoing trial, including remarks made by the lead prosecutor implying a connection to our client,” the statement read.
According to reports, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin had stated that the prosecution was awaiting instructions from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on whether to seek court protection for the witness involved in the robbery.
The legal team contended that any protective measures should be grounded in evidence of actual threats to safety, not speculative assumptions.
“Such remarks, whether by the media or prosecution, unfairly tarnish our client’s reputation and could compromise the integrity of the judicial process,” the statement continued.
The lawyers also questioned Wan Shahruddin’s decision to comment publicly before the completion of a full police investigation into the incident.
“His statement was made prior to the release of any conclusive findings by police. It appears likely he did not consult law enforcement regarding the motive of the crime,” the firm added.
Petaling Jaya District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrulnizam Ja’afar later clarified that the incident was a straightforward case of armed robbery, with no elements of intimidation directed at the witness.
“This was clearly a robbery. There is no indication that the witness was targeted in an attempt to influence testimony,” he told the media.
Following these developments, Lim’s legal team confirmed it would raise the matter before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court during the next hearing, scheduled for 19 August 2025. They also called on media outlets to verify facts rigorously before reporting on the trial to avoid prejudicing the court process.
“We welcome the swift clarification by the police, affirming that the robbery was unrelated to the trial and involved no elements of witness intimidation,” the statement said.
Lim Guan Eng himself reaffirmed his confidence in the Malaysian judiciary and pledged to mount a full legal defence to clear his name of what he described as “baseless charges.”
The case drew renewed attention after reports emerged that a key witness had been assaulted by a group of ten men who forced their way into his home in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday. The assailants reportedly tied up two security guards before entering the residence. The witness sustained facial and hand injuries during the attack. - August 7, 2025